Graham's White House Run Worrying State Democrats

[Judi Lynn]

Graham's White House Run Worrying State Democrats
By Mike Branom Associated Press Writer
Published: Aug 23, 2003




ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Bob Graham's stalled presidential run is unnerving state Democratic leaders, who are worried that a losing campaign for the White House could tip his Senate seat to the Republicans in 2004.

Five Democrats have announced their desire to replace Graham, but intense campaigning for next August's primary remains on hold since Florida's senior senator has never publicly ruled out running for a fourth Senate term if his presidential bid fails.

"Everybody's in limbo right now," said Florida Democratic Party Chairman Scott Maddox.

In a sign that the Democratic race is stuck in neutral, a Sunday luncheon in Leesburg sponsored by the Lake County Democrats is expected to draw only two candidates - Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas and U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch. (snip/...)

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/florida/MGANDUB0QJD.html

[Alexander]

1. I like Graham, but he and Edwards need to make up their minds.

They both have 4 options.

1) Drop the Senate bid and run for president.

2) Drop the presidential bid and run for Senator (I like them both, but I think they can both do more good in the Senate, plus neither of them are even close to being front-runners).

3) Run for both, if possible. But say so, and do it soon.

4) Drop both bids and retire from elected office (not bloody likely).

If these guys weren't in the South, I wouldn't be this worried. But having two Senators up for re-election running for President when we've already got 7 (maybe 8) other candidates out there and we need the Senate back desparately has made me worried. The longer they delay in deciding, the more likely it is that these seats will fall into Republican hands. And we will have enough trouble with the Senate next year without this.

[TeeYiYi]

2. I agree with you . . .

I don't see either one of them as front runners in the Presidential race and we can't afford to lose any more seats in the Senate. There are plenty of other good contenders for the Presidential bid. . . I say we hold on to every single seat we have in the House and the Senate like a bulldog with a rat in his teeth.

TYY

[liberalnurse]

3. I sense they both will drop by the end of the financial quarter.

I also see Braun and maybe Sharpton dropping out. They all served a wonderful purpose; to energize the democratic party.

I see Kucinnich dropping in early 2004. Thats giving him respect for his passion.

The battle will be Dean, Kerry and Gephardt.

Did I miss anyone?

Oh Clark....we don't know his status yet....meaning is he going to be a historical surprise?....enter the race as an early VP candidate or run as President.